Ashtons Legal's cross-office commercial property practice has a strong base in Cambridge, where head of real estate Magnus McManus leads a group that has 'the ability to problem solve and explain things with clarity'. Up-and-coming partner Sheila Small, who focuses on residential and commercial development matters, is 'an excellent and knowledgeable lawyer who looks for solutions not problems'. She recently asssisted W N Developments Limited with a £60m housing project. Newly promoted partner Rhian Brook is experienced in landlord and tenant matters, as well as portfolio management.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Sheila Small is an excellent and knowledgeable lawyer who looks for solutions not problems.’
‘The ability to problem solve and explain things with clarity.’
Key clients
- Surplus Property Solutions Limited
- NIAB
- Abel Homes Limited
- Savills
- Clare College
- MH Star UK Ltd
- LS Plant Breeding Limited
- M Scott Properties Limited
- Ridley Godfrey (Holdings) Limited
- Whitings LLP
Work highlights
- Advising W N Developments Ltd in relation to a development of 235 houses/flats with a sale value in excess of £60 million (freehold and leasehold) over a four phased completion.
- Continuing to represent Savills (UK) Ltd in connection with its leasehold occupied portfolio, with matters ranging from lease renewals, licences to alter and deeds of variation to new leases with associated property litigation input.
- Advising many colleges within the University of Cambridge. One matter this year was the 30-year lease of Clare College’s playing fields to Cambridge United Football Club to be used as their training pitches.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Magnus McManus